Elder deaths overlooked

This week’s shocking allegations surrounding the murder of eight seniors in long term care homes have put a spotlight on issues surrounding the quality of senior care and elder abuse.

Wanda Morris is the the Vice President of seniors advocacy group Carp, and says the elderly can be considered “lower class citizens” in our society resulting in less funding for seniors – leaving them vulnerable for abuse.

She calls it a cultural situation and doubts these crimes could have continued if it were happening to children.

She says it’s no less odious just because its happened to those nearing the end of their lives.

Morris says there are issues with staffing levels in long term care homes that show residents are not getting the support they need.

There is legislation in place to protect residents in cases of neglect and abuse where staff are mandated to report incidents, but the executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition says she understaffing and over worked employees can prevent that from happening properly.

Natalie Mehra says if there’s any good that can come from this tragic situation it would be that it sheds a light on how chronically understaffed these homes are. (Photo Credit: Flickr.com)